Do the Four Schools of Thought permit plucking (namṣ) for an unmarried woman, or for a married woman who does not wear the niqab?
We have previously explained the sayings of the scholars regarding eyebrow plucking (al-namṣ), and what is issued as fatwa by us is that the four schools of thought contain opinions permitting eyebrow plucking for both married and unmarried women. It has been narrated from Aishah a concession for the permissibility of plucking eyebrows and shaping the forehead for a woman for her husband. Ibn al-Jawzi permitted eyebrow plucking alone, and interpreted the prohibition as referring to deception or it being a distinguishing mark of immoral women. The majority has gone to the opinion that eyebrow plucking is not permissible for unmarried women, while some have permitted it for unmarried women when there is a need. All that has been mentioned is not restricted by whether the woman wears a niqab or not.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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